American Wheat Beer

Unlike its German cousins, this pale American wheat beer ferments clean, using an ale yeast in place of the banana-and-clove Weizen strain. Wheat lends a light, bready flavour, and the beer is refreshing and low to moderate in strength, running 4.0 to 5.5 percent alcohol with 15 to 30 IBU and a pale 3 to 6 SRM colour. It emerged in the craft renaissance of the 1980s, with Pyramid Hefeweizen and Bell's Oberon among the notable early examples. Simpler than German wheat beers but more approachable to many American palates, the style also counts Boulevard Unfiltered Wheat and Widmer Hefeweizen. BJCP catalogs it as 1D.

A pale, refreshing, low- to moderate-strength American wheat beer with clean fermentation character (unlike German versions). Wheat provides a light, bready flavor.

Low to moderate grainy wheat malt aroma with a soft, bready character. Low hop aroma, sometimes citrusy. Clean American ale fermentation with no significant esters or phenols. Refreshing and mild.

Pale straw to gold, 3-6 SRM. Clear to slightly hazy. White head with moderate retention.

Low to moderate grainy or bready wheat malt flavor. Low to moderate hop bitterness and citrusy hop flavor. Clean fermentation. Crisp, refreshing finish. No Belgian yeast character.

Light to medium body with moderate to high carbonation. Smooth and clean. Refreshing and easy to drink.

An American craft interpretation of German wheat beer, but with clean American ale fermentation instead of Weizen yeast. The style emerged in the craft beer renaissance of the 1980s. Pyramid Hefeweizen and Bell's Oberon are notable early examples. Less complex than German wheat beers but more approachable to American palates.

What is American Wheat Beer beer?

American Wheat Beer (BJCP 1D) — a clean, refreshing American wheat ale. Style guide, specs, and examples.

What is the ABV of American Wheat Beer?

American Wheat Beer has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 4.0-5.5%.

How bitter is American Wheat Beer beer?

American Wheat Beer measures 15-30 IBU (International Bitterness Units).

What are some examples of American Wheat Beer beers?

Bell's Oberon, Boulevard Unfiltered Wheat, Widmer Hefeweizen, Pyramid Hefeweizen